It’s essential to human and animal health that feral cats are spay or neutered a.s.a.p. , and you must follow guidelines specifically for feral cats.  Typically feral cats run away the minute you spot them.  I have had the pleasure of getting to know several feral cats over the last decade.  Some of these cats became loving pets; others remained wild and never allowed me to pet them.  Some survive fairly well outdoors in rural or urban areas. 

Feral cats are captured in humane traps by volunteers (i.e. you and me) and brought to special facilities or clinics who understand feral cats.  While they are unconscious and being spayed or neutered a veterinarian typically checks them for signs of infectious disease.  If he or she suspects the cat has a terminal illness that can be transmitted to other animals, or if the animal is very ill, severely injured or suffering from a painful condition they may euthanize the cat immediately.  (None of the feral cats I trapped had to be euthanized despite poor conditioning and shabby coats). It’s very important to find a veterinarian or a program that specializes in feral cat spay and neuter programs.  I’ll talk more about this in the weeks to follow. 
When you work with feral cats there are several things tips to help you successful complete a trap spay and release program.  The first step is form a relationship.  It can be achieved by the power of stinky food, respecting boundaries but pushing the edge, and acceptance.
When you first spot a wild cat that will not allow you to touch it or one that runs away, start placing stinky food out each night in the same location.  Ideally, this should be a location you can view from inside your home or apartment.  You want to make sure that the food is being eaten by the cat and not another nocturnal creature like possums or raccoons.  Also, if you live in an urban area, place the food next to a tree or safe place so the cat can escape if there are any stray dog packs.  Feral cats are often nocturnal so they are more likely to approach new situations at night. 

The best type of food is either canned cat food or left over fish.  Like all cats, feral cats are carnivores and need to eat meat.  However, they often survive on poor diets like left over trash, snakes, mice, insects and birds.  Don’t feed too much food or something rich.  Doing so may cause the cat to vomit or have loose stools, which can lead to dehydration.  Start with one or two tablespoons of inexpensive canned food, tuna fish or a single sardine.  Over time you can increase the food and add mineral content.     Also, think about leaving out a small dish of clean water.  Don’t let the water sit though, it may attract bugs and if the feral cat has leukemia the water dish may spread the disease healthy cats in the area.  Next week I’ll talk about respecting boundaries but pushing the edge, and acceptance.

This weekend I sat on my new hammock reading from one of my favorite meditation books, “Why Buffalo Dance”, by Suan Chernak McElroy.  One of the stories is about her reaction when she finds a baby Magpie.  She questions her decision and what difference it with make in the world–this one human and this one bird.  In our media, celebrity drenched world we often overlook the power of one.  We crave grand events and recognition with the motto that more is better.  But many great things are done through the power of one. 

In the animal rescue world one stray rescued, one more animal spayed or neutered, one more anti-cruelty bill that passes, one more child educated through humane education or one hour at a shelter can make a huge difference.  One of the stories that inspire me is the story of a boy walking the beach.  Millions of starfish are stranded on the shore and dying.  A man walks by and says to the boy, “Why bother?  You’ll never save them all.  What difference do your efforts make when so many will die?”  The boy smiles, placed the starfish in his hand back in the ocean and says, “It makes a difference to this one”. 
Never underestimate the power of one.

Since globalization, China is quickly moving to the forefront as the manufacturing capitol of the world.  For decades, China’s government has violated human rights.  I am not political, but it’s a well known fact.  As many people lost their beloved pets to needless contamination, few of us thought beyond the current crisis. 
A few weeks after the pet food recall, children’s toys (also manufactured in China) were being recalled for lead poisoning.  According to the report I watched, there was nothing we could do.  Pollution controls and manufacturing standards in China and many other countries are typically lower than ours.  Last year, I read an environmental report that said the mercury poisoning of fish in northern Minnesota was primarily caused by Chinese pollutants. 

We’ve stood by too long and watched jobs go overseas because the playing field is unequal.  With the loss of manufacturing and call center jobs, we’ve seen a disappearance of the middle class and experienced a frustrating loss of service and accountability.  Sure, the price of retail goods is lower, but do we really need more shirts or shoes?  Of course businesses can produce products cheaper in other countries and create larger stock portfolios.  But in exchange, we as a world are allowing more pollution, less regulation, and less safety for workers.  Is this the legacy we wish to leave behind?  

Since we cannot regulate other countries, we need to urge our Congressmen and Senators regulate imports.  Any country we buy from should be held to the same standards of safety, quality and pollution controls as our country.  By doing this we will not only help America and equal the playing field, but it will help workers in other countries who are being exploited, and it will help protect wildlife and the environment. 

And here in American, we can continue to look for and support reduction of oil dependency by using several systems already in place; urban bike trails, mass transit, wind and solar power.

I love to take my dog with me whenever it’s cool enough to run errands.  Sabrina loves to ride in the car.  But did you know, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, a 60-pound dog free in the vehicle during a relatively low speed (30-mph) crash potentially becomes a projectile that could hit a windshield, dashboard, driver or another passenger with a force totaling 1,200 pounds.

The solution to this problem is quite easy. Simple harnesses that attach to seat belts, which still allow the dog enough leeway to sit or lie down, are available beginning as low as twenty dollars. A kennel crate is another alternative. Simply slip it onto the back seat or the luggage area of a van, and secure it in place using a leash as a strap and attaching it to the seatbelts.

Also, keep a leash handy.  If you ever have an emergency like a flat tire or engine failure, you’ll need it.  I usually, keep an extra leash in my vehicles at all times.  This helps me with my pet, and it’s also helped me rescue strays.

 If you have a suggestion regarding a pet safety restraint please let us know by entering a comment.

Just like us, our dogs can have problems with allergies.  This is especially true with certain purebred dogs.  Allergies can range from skin rashes, to bee stings, to pollen.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to food.
Scratching, rashes and hair loss are often a sign your dog has a food allergy (check for fleas first).  Your veterinarian may suggest an allergy test.  If you notice your dog itching, and you don’t have fleas, check the ingredients list on the back of your food.   You may want to eliminate corn meal first, followed by animal by-products.  Lots of dogs improve when they switch to a food that does not contain these ingredients.
Check the protein source.  Some dogs don’t do well on beef or lamb, but maybe fine on chicken or fish. 
Simplify the ingredients.  There are two terms that confuse people–holistic and all natural.  Holistic dog foods are products that contain a broad and diverse group of ingredients.  For example, instead of one type of meat, there may be three protein sources.  There may be more variety of vegetables such as beets or carrots.  If your dog does not have allergies, these foods are great, because they expose your pet to a broad source of minerals and vitimins.  However, if you think your dog has a food allergy, avoid holistic food.  Instead look for food that has one protein source, uses rice or oatmeal as a binding agent, and contains essential minerals. 

All natural means the food ingredients are not artificially made.  This should not be confused with organic, which means no chemicals were used.  For more information on pet food you can visit either  www.aafco.com, which is like the FDA, except for pet food, or the Food and Drug Administration website.

I always recommend good veterinary care for all your pets needs.  Next week we’ll talk about other types of allergies and possible solutions.

Anytime your pet is injuryed try to go to a veteranarian first.  However, if a veteranarian is unavailable or you have an urgent situation, knowing first aid may save the life of your pet. After the crisis has passed, see your veteranarian to insure there is no hidden secondary issue, such as an infection, or additional undetected injuries. 

All of the following pet first aid treatments and situations should be followed by a visit to your veterinarian:

Removing foreign objects: Foreign objects such as porcupine quills can often be removed without sedation. Grasp the quill with a pair of needle nose pliers and pull straight out. Wipe the wound with antiseptic. If the quill breaks off, make a note where it is for the veterinarian to remove. Fishhooks, however, can be more difficult to remove. If the barbs are buried do not pull backwards. Instead, push the hook forward until the barbs of the hook are exposed through the skin, cut off the shank and remove the fishhook. Clean the wound with antiseptic. 

Shock: Weakness, unsteadiness, weak but rapid pulse, glassy stare, dilated pupils, and cool skin are some of the signs that your pet has gone into shock.

Artificial Respiration: Rescue breathing should only be performed on an animal that has stopped breathing but still has a heart beat. The animal is in respiratory arrest and must be transported to a veterinarian. First, pull the animal’s tongue forward and clear the airway. Then close and hold the animal’s mouth tightly, placing your mouth over the animal’s nose. Blow into the animal’s nose until its chest rises and remove your mouth to allow air to escape. Repeat the breaths 10 times, one breath every three seconds, before stopping to reassess the animal’s breathing. Continue artificial respiration during transportation to the veterinarian.

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): CPR is not given to any pet that is still breathing or has a heart beat. DO NOT practice CPR on your pet.

Seizures: Protect the animal from hurting itself by removing any objects that could be knocked over. DO NOT put your hand or anything else in the animal’s mouth. DO NOT try to restrain or hold the animal. Time the length of the seizure and call your veterinarian.

Bleeding: Wrap the wound firmly with a sterile bandage. If the bleeding soaks through, apply a second bandage over the first. DO NOT remove the first dressing. If an object is sticking out of a wound, DO NOT remove it. Secure the object by placing a gauze or cloth ring around the base of the object and tie it in place.

Burns: (Minor burns from boiling water or fire (thermal burns) or chemical burns from lye or acid products): Apply cold water or compresses and submerge affected area in cold water if possible. DO NOT apply ointment, oils or butter. Infection is a concern with all burns, so see your vet as soon as possible. DO NOT underestimate the seriousness of any burn: Even a burn on as little as 15 per cent of the body can be life threatening.
 

Last week we discussed Feline Aids and whether you should vacinate.  Approximately 12% of all cats have Feline Aids.  Although Feline Aids can be terminal, FIV is not as a death sentence like it is in humans.  Infact, cats can test positive for aids and never manifest the disease.

In 2002 Fort Dodge Animal Health released a vaccine designed to prevent a healthy cat from acquiring Feline Aids. The drug is controversial for several reasons.

1.There are at least five known strains of FIV. The drug does not protect against all strains. Cat guardians may feel secure that there pet is protected, but in fact, the pet is only protected from certain strains of the disease.

2.Once you vaccinate a cat for FIV, it will always test positive for FIV. This means that a veterinarian can not tell the difference between a healthy cat vaccinated for FIV and a cat infected with FIV. If your healthy cat was vaccinated to protect against FIV, and later is infected with FIV and becomes ill, it is impossible for a veterinarian to know if your cat is infected with another strain of the illness. This makes treatment challenging.

3.The FIV vaccine is an “adjunctive” medicine. One of the common side effects of “adjunctive” medicine is the growth of tumors.

4.Lastly, the FIV vaccine has a success rate of 82%. This means that one out of five cats exposed to FIV will contract the disease, even if they were vaccinated with the drug.

Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind. If you have an indoor cat and it’s not exposed to other cats, it can catch viral diseases such as Leukemia, but it cannot contract Feline Aids. There is no need to vaccinate an indoor cat against FIV. If you have a cat that spends time outdoors, make sure it’s spayed or neutered before sexual maturity (approximately six months). This is the first line of defense. Your cat will be far less likely to be involved in a cat fight. This greatly reduces the chance of a bite, or blood-related injury with an infected cat. If you decide to vaccinate your outdoor cat, make sure it also has a microchip and collar that identifies you as the owner.

If your cat was ever picked up as a stray, and the shelter could not easily find the owner/guardian, your cat would be euthanized quickly since it would test positive for FIV. If your cat contracts FIV, this does not mean a mandatory death sentence. Most indoor cats with FIV can live a long and reasonably healthy life. Lastly, be assured—there are no known incidence of Feline Aids effecting humans or dogs.

Whenever I see a little boy throwing rocks at ducks, I wonder whether it was something he learned from another person or is it an instinctual act.  In the animal kingdom most animals will fight for turf, and carnivores will kill for food, but most animals do not commit senseless murder.  However, there are exceptions.  One of the nature shows I watched featured a program on wild mustangs.  It showed a horrible scene where a stallion swiftly and violently killed an injured foal that was not his offspring.  In primates the “common” chimpanzees commit homicide and rape, while their closest (DNA) cousin, Bonobos, are extremely peaceful. 
When I was a kid, I started rescuing animals before I could comprehend what I was doing.  Was it something I just picked up by watching my mom and dad care for our dog and cat?  Was there a “help animal gene” that came through my father (a veterinarian)?  I also liked to hang out with my older brother.  Neither he nor his friends ever exhibited any signs of aggression toward animals—in fact they demonstrated the opposite. 
Research has linked violence and cruelty toward animals with violence toward humans.  In other words someone who abuses an animal is also highly likely to abuse children and abuse their spouse or mate.  Abusers usually had a childhood that included abuse.  When a kid grows up in an abusive home they can go two ways.  They can use that experience to be a catalyst for good, or they can perpetuate abuse.   In order to be a catalyst for good, there needs to be some type of experience where that child feels safe and connected. 
Humane education (where kids are introduced safely to friendly pets and learn about animal care) provides a special gift for abused children.  An animal may be the first real connection that kid makes.  The unconditional love of an animal may just be the catalyst that helps an abused child lean to trust, and then learn to connect, and then learn to live without violence.   It probably won’t be a cure all, but it’s a great start.  For more information you make want to research “the link” and check out Univ. of Washington State, as well as the Humane Association.

Just like us, pets may need to sleep in a bit more to recover from holiday fun.  If you hosted or attended a picnic and brought your pet, there’s a good chance your pet has eaten tablescrapes.  If your pet eats a food it’s not used to, they may get loose stools or vomit.  Provided it’s minimal, your pet will probably be ok provided it has some time to rest.  Make sure your pet is drinking water.  Dehydration is common and can cause health issues. 

To check for dehydration you can do a simple at home test.  Gently pull the skin of your pet away from the body 1/2″ for a small animal, 3/4″ on a large dog.  I like to do this around the sholder blade.  If the skin snaps back, you pet is most likely well hydrated.  If the skin is slow to slide back into place, your pet may be dehydrated.  If you suspect dehydration or another health issue, see your veteranarian right away.   The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely your pet will have a quick and full recovery. 

The “Bad News”—many people purchase animals without considering the long term requirements of proper pet care, the “Good News”—this creates an opportunity for you to purchase a purebred dog at a fraction of the cost. Breed specific rescue organization, which are privately funded, have grown in recent years. There are many types and varieties of purebred dogs available for adoption. There are several advantages to adopting a purebred dog; costs, developed personalities, free expert advice on the breed, reduced medical costs, and a free turn in policy (If for any reason the adoption does not work, the animal may be returned to the shelter). The disadvantages are that with some breeds you may need to travel long distance to meet and adopt your new pet, you may be subject to a rigorous background or criminal check, some of the animals turned into rescue sites have been abused or neglected and require patience and training, and you may not be able to obtain they type of purebred or age desired. Most likely though, you will be sadly amazed to see how many excellent purebred pets are available for adoption.

The cost of purebred dog adoption varies dependent on the breed and age. Shar-Pei and Golden Retrievers typically cost about $250 to adopt but if the animal is over 8 years of age the cost may be as little as $150. This is quit a bargain considering most often these dogs originally sold for $250-$500, have had $300-$500 worth of medical care including shots and testing, and adult pets are already spayed or neutered. Other financial benefits may include free breed specific information and training tips, and an optional free membership into the breed rescue organization, or a free subscription to the organizations newsletter.

If you are thinking about adopting a specific breed the first step is to determine if the breed you are drawn to matches your lifestyle. Do some research on line or at the library to make sure the needs of the new pet will be compatible with your lifestyle. Once you’ve determined which breed will be well suited to your home and lifestyle search on-line for a rescue site in your area. For example, let’s say you want to adopt a poodle and you live in Houston, TX. In your web browser, type “Poodle Rescue Organizations in Houston, Texas”. You can also search by state. Most organizations have clear information on their website about the adoption process, policies, breed tendencies, and costs. Some have pictures of animals available for adoption.

When you decide on a specific possible pet, ask specific questions about its history and personality. The personality of an animal is more important than it’s past. Many animals with horrific pasts make excellent pets, provided you are willing to be patient, establish and maintain routines for the animal, and provide training if needed. Remember animals are sentient beings with emotions and pain receptors. Please consider the long term care of the pet, the breed specific needs, and whether the needs of the animal will negatively affect your lifestyle, before you adopt or purchase an animal. In the long run it is better for you and the animal to wait for the right match.